Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering Commons^™

Bidding And Negotiation Of Government Funded Contracts With Inflationary Considerations., David Thurman Hearst

Masters Theses

"The traditional government contract type has played an important role in the economy of the United States. In its most used type, that of fixed price, it represents a stabilizing factor in the cycles of the business world. However, recently this type of contract has been affected by the nation's most recent plague, double-digit inflation.

Inflation attacks almost all phases of stability in the economy and in contract negotiations and bidding techniques. It erodes the monetary unit of the economy, distorts forecasting models, and creates potential ruin for contractors due to uncertainty in costs.

Research pertaining to government funded contracts …

A Computerized Simulation Of A Personal Rapid Transit System., James Richard Cromer

Masters Theses

"The movement of people from an origin to a destination has become a complex and sometimes severe problem, The present modes of transportation available, which include the rapid rail systems, bus transit service, and the personal automobile, have proven quite ineffective in dealing with the situation, A new concept in the transportation area is that of Personal Rapid Transit (PRT). This concept offers a promising solution to many of our people and goods movement difficulties. Before this new system can be implemented it is necessary that various design, construction, and operational criteria be evaluated to determine the optimal system to …

A Training Simulation For Rural Electric Cooperative Staff., David F. Larcker

Masters Theses

"The simulation described in this thesis can be applied as a training tool to teach the management personnel of rural electric cooperatives the elements of decision making in a dynamically interreacting business environment. Initially, the major managerial problem areas of a typical rural electric cooperative were identified. These stimulated the development of a training simulation which realistically embodied the alternatives available to management personnel during the various stages of decision making. The final simulation design was a board type of game able to provide the feedback necessary for a learning experience" -- Abstract, p. ii

A Systems Approach To Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Training Programs, Jesse Michael Haverstick

Masters Theses

"The evaluation of the effectiveness of training programs has long been recognized as a necessity in determining the allocation of investment. However, much of industry, today, still does not use an easily administered, systematic, and reliable method for determining training program effectiveness for their salaried (managerial) personnel. It is easily seen that determining training program effectiveness is not a one-shot, one-time event, but a continual process, whose aim, ultimately, is increased productivity. For the effectiveness of a training program to be adequately monitored, these four areas should be measured: (1) trainee attitude, (2) learning, (3) behavior change, and (4) productivity …

The Simulation Of A Production Control System, Steven Craig Weis

Masters Theses

"In an attempt to simulate a production system a typical company was assumed, and mathematical models of its functions were structured to form a total model. This model was programmed into an IBM 360/50 computer. A program which included seasonal trends and random requirements for various departments was designed that would evaluate all the available alternatives and output the two best production schedules such that operating costs would be minimized and the company labor force would remain nearly constant. These schedules detail the manpower requirements by week, department, line, job and shift.

To accommodate the seasonal trends, various forms of …

Management Of Passive Countersurveillance In The R & D Environment, James Ronald Carney

Masters Theses

"Existing management procedures that are pertinent to research and development activities within the Government are presented. The main focus of this effort is on the Mobility Equipment Research and Development Center’s Countersurveillance and Topographic Division, and highlights the relevant plans, documents, programs, and reporting systems utilized by the Army and the Department of Defense. An in-depth examination is made on the need for Countersurveillance in the Army. The Army’s existing Countersurveillance research and development missions and programs are reviewed.

A detailed investigation and analysis is performed on current management concepts and techniques that are utilized in research and development endeavors. …

An Investigation Into The Degree Of Correlation Between Air Flow Rates, Bacteria In The Air And Post-Operative Infections In Hospitals, Carl Eugene Intag

Masters Theses

"Post-operative infections are a recognized problem in the medical and hospital professions. Annual costs and deaths due to infections in the U.S.A. have been estimated at $8-$9 billion and 10,000 lives respectively. The air lS one potential path in transporting contaminants that may cause an infection. Yet, the degree of influence airborne contaminants have in causing infections is a topic of much debate. As a result of the need for more information in this area, this investigation was undertaken to determine the degree of correlation between post-operative infection rates, bacteria in the air, and air flow rates.

Data for the …

Managerial Performance Appraisal, Benildus Wai-Young Lau

Masters Theses

"Questionnaire surveys were sent out to two hundred medium-sized companies in industry. The study is an attempt to find the main cause for the unsatisfactory results in most appraisal programs and to make recommendations concerning the implementation of an effective performance appraisal program. Human factors play an utmost important role in the success of the entire appraisal program. An atmosphere of mutual understanding and trust should be established between the well trained supervisor and his subordinate so that the rapport between them can be brought to the highest possible level. Performance appraisal should be considered as an integral part of …

Managerial Appraisals - A Systems View, James Thomas Hatlan

Masters Theses

"In the past decade much has been written concerning the performance appraisal which can be defined as the systematic analysis of the individual with respect to his performance on the job. The appraisal's importance lies in the fact that its impact is felt in the areas of control, promotion, and managerial development all of which are essential for the progressive firm. This study is an attempt to offer something new and something different. The author offers a systematic study of industry in general with specific help from key corporations and utilities. His investigations encompass the three elements of appraising and …

A Computerized Decision Model For Making Quantitative Decisions With Regards To The Department Of Army's Equipment Improvement Recommendations, Lewis Neri

Masters Theses

"The management decision technique, currently in use, of determining priority of EIR evaluation is basically that of "feel and experience" along with the "most pressure" applied from outside the responsible organization. The feasibility of a computerized management decision concept has been studied at the lowest system with the objective of applying this to the next higher systems and finally arriving at an overall system value to obtain system priority. This study develops the technology of operations research and the associated computer techniques, delineates the problem and develops a mathematical model to simulate this management decision technique. Furthermore, it utilizes logical …

Minimum Cost Data Collection Techniques For Circulation Control At The University Of Missouri At Rolla Library, John Peter Shewchuk Sr.

Masters Theses

"Data collection is beginning to assume increased importance in the field of data processing. This thesis investigates a method for quantitatively selecting a portion of the library to place on an automated circulation control system that uses data collection as an entry into a data processing system.

The circulation function of the library was considered to be an inventory problem. Titles were considered as items of inventory and circulation of that title was considered to be a "sale" of that item. The IMPACT method was used to distribute items (titles) in a sample by age. Various ages were found to …

A Study Of The Work Functions Of Nigerian Industrial Technicians, Olugbenro A. Ajayi

Masters Theses

The Problem and Its Background

Introduction

A curriculum can be developed in several ways. The simplest method is to use the curriculum of another institution without modification. The hazard of such an approach lies in the possibility that the curriculum may not be a good one or, even if satisfactory for the original institution, may not fit into the conditions of the setting where it is to be used. For example, entrance requirements for institutions vary from country to country and from one institution to another.

Another method is to study a number of curriculums and develop a composite curriculum …

The Effects Of Selected Factors On Design Sensitivity, Leslie Horshal Cochran

Masters Theses

Chapter I.

Background of the Study

Introduction

Design is a comprehensive term involving a multitude of areas and activities. Its meaning has varied according to individual tastes and philosophies; however, regardless of the terminology involved, it has always been associated with the planning for an object or a product.

Throughout history the emphasis on design has varied, but its basic framework has been present in all cultures. From the crude but honest designs of primitive man, through the Golden Age of Greece, by means of the Roman Empire, via the Renaissance, and throughout the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries, design served …

A Follow-Up Study Of Industrial Technology Graduates From Western Michigan University, Dale Donald King

Masters Theses

Chapter I

The Problem and Its Setting

During the past few years, nationally prominent industrial and educational leaders have been concerned with the present shortages of engineers and technically trained personnel. These leaders appear to be concerned with the utilization of manpower and in present and future educational patterns which will insure an ample supply of technically competent personnel.¹

Staff members of Western Michigan University are also concerned with the technician. In fact, 243 students were graduated from thirteen Industrial Technology curriculums during the period of 1955 through 1959. It is believed that the school has been effective in …